Main Course

Cevapi

Name: Cevapi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: balkan
Ingredients: 500 g ground beef 80/20 lean; 250 g ground lamb; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika sweet; 0.5 tsp baking soda; 1.5 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground; 2 tbsp water cold; 1 pcs onion finely chopped; 4 pcs flatbread pita or similar; 0.5 cup ajvar

Cevapi are small, grilled minced meat sausages, a staple in Balkan cuisine. They are typically served with flatbread, chopped onions, and a red pepper relish called ajvar. This recipe offers a simple way to prepare these flavorful sausages at home.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 1 hr 35 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 696 kcal

Allergen information: may contain gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

500 gground beef, 80/20 lean
250 gground lamb
2 tspgarlic powder
1 tsppaprika, sweet
0.5 tspbaking soda
1.5 tspsalt
0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
2 tbspwater, cold

for serving

1 pcsonion, finely chopped
4 pcsflatbread, pita or similar
0.5 cupajvar

Equipment

frying pan · grill · large mixing bowl

The method

Step by step

1
Combine the ground beef, ground lamb, garlic powder, paprika, baking soda, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients for even distribution.
2
Gradually add the cold water while continuing to mix until the meat mixture is well combined and slightly sticky.
About 2 min
3
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook’s note: This resting period is crucial for the texture and flavor of the cevapi.
4
Divide the chilled meat mixture into 24 equal portions.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: For consistent size, you can weigh each portion.
5
Roll each portion into a cylindrical shape, about 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) long and 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 inches) thick.
About 8 min
Cook’s note: Moisten your hands slightly with water to prevent sticking.
6
Preheat a grill or a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
About 3 min
7
Cook the cevapi in batches, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-12 minutes.
About 12 min
Cook’s note: Do not overcrowd the pan or grill to ensure even cooking and browning.
8
Serve the hot cevapi immediately with flatbread, finely chopped onion, and a dollop of ajvar.

Per serving

Nutrition

42%Score

Calories: 696.3kcal
Protein: 38.1g
Carbs: 32.9g
Fat: 45.8g
Fibre: 3.1g
Sugar: 4.2g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover cevapi in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat cevapi in a pan over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through.